The first weekend of the holidays was a busy one for the
Otago committee with a very successful “Weekend School’ combined with the
SLANZA 2014 AGM. Those fortunate enough
to attend were treated to a delightful variety of professional development
ranging from Book Clubs, Summer Reading, English departments and Libraries
working together, and a presentation by Joan Mackenzie star of “Whitcoulls
Joan’s Picks”. The weekend was well
organised with time for networking and sharing ideas. At the AGM Miriam Tuohy accepted the
nomination as President elect and Fiona Mackie stood down as past president.
The National Executive met on the Sunday afternoon and
Monday at Kings High School, Dunedin, hosted by Bridget Schaumann. We welcomed
new NE representatives Cathy Kennedy for Aoraki and Sandi Faulconbridge from
Central. Kirsty Adam and Joanne Fraser
from Southland joined us for a discussion regarding how Southland can
revitalise their region. This discussion
was positive and Joanne and Kirsty feel that Southland has the energy and
desire to offer SLANZA PD and events in the region.
Correspondence included a message from SLANZA Life Member
Linda McCullough from Waikato informing us of her retirement from National Library
and thank you notes from Kathleen Van der Putten and Steph Ellis for their
Study Grant and how it has helped them this year.
The treasurers report indicated that income is down on
previous years so our membership drive is more vital that ever. The report included a budget which is conservative yet allows us to
work towards our goals.
Our website will soon include a FAQ (frequently asked
questions) page including questions about membership and the benefits of
membership. A planned brochure outlining
benefits of SLANZA is in underway.
Currently we are looking for supportive quotes and photos to
include. Please contact your local rep
if you are able to assist with this.
The NE is stregthening partnerships with organisations such
as LIANZA, The Book Council and National Library and is keen to work with other
organisations like The Principals Association and English Teachers and make
them aware of the work we do and how their members can benefit.
The region reports included many fine examples of the
Professional Development provided to our members. Thank you to all the
committees for the work they do on behalf of our members.
SLANZA had input into the current NZQA review of Open Polytechnic
Library qualifications and has contributed to the course documents. The Wellington region is working on a Tertiary
Transition programme to share with members.
We are working on Summer Reading initiatives with The Association of
Public Library Managers and expect to have some resources available from SLANZA
from the four Otago schools who presented at the Weekend School about their own
successful programmes by the end of term.
Other discussions of note:
The 2015 Christchurch Conference team are making
good progress
This years’ LIANZA conference in Auckland is
shaping up with a schools thread included.
SLANZA members can register at LIANZA rates this year for the first time
ever!
Members need to to find out about their own schools’
involvement in N4L (Network for Learning) and participation in the POND. From
next year these inititiaves will have a wide ranging impact on all schools, we
encourage school librarians to contribute as much as possible.
Our free online course “Connected Librarians”
has been a huge success with over 100 graduates. This project is now being reviewed with plans
to build on the course from next year.
We are also in the development stages of creating an online community
using Google+ to further support members.
Finally, I hope that you all had a restful break over the
holidays and are energised and ready to tackle Term 3.
Lisa Salter
SLANZA Communications Leader
